Bryant still not done with game

CANTON — Gerard Bryant will put his St. Lawrence University football jersey on for the last time Saturday as the Saints end their season with a Liberty League game at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute.

But it won't be the last time Bryant wears a Saints helmet or, hopefully for him, the last time he's a member of a football team.

Bryant, who was a first-team All-American last year, will play in two all-star games, including one in Mexico City on Dec. 19, and hopes to get a chance to attend National Football League draft combines this winter.

"I'm open to anything, whatever opportunity comes my way," Bryant said. "I'd be very excited to go to (the NFL combine) and show these (NCAA) Division I and II guys what a Division III player can bring to the table. I just want to play football at the end of the day. As long as I'm on the field. It's my favorite sport."

Bryant, a senior from White Plains, is 6-feet tall and weighs 240 pounds. He's played defensive end for the Saints and leads the team in tackles with 84. He has 286 career tackles heading into his final game.

"He's had a great impact," said SLU coach Chris Phelps. "He's such a talented kid, with his strength, quickness and speed. If he's not making a play, he's drawing attention and having an influence on every play."

Bryant will go down as one of the best football players in school history and is a sure bet to be inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame when he first shows up on the ballot in 10 years.

"I think he'll be considered in with the great ones that have played here," Phelps said. "We haven't had many first-team All-Americans."

Bryant realizes his future in football will likely involve moving to another position. Most assume he'd be a linebacker but he's open to playing offensively as well.

"I played linebacker in high school and I played fullback, which I think I'd be great at," Bryant said. "I feel like if I get in there and get the chance, I can get the job done. I always try to get better. I feel like my speed is up there with some of the DI athletes. I have good size and strength. I'm ready to compete. I love competing."

Bryant has some experience competing against players at the top level of the sport. He played against Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice's team in his old high school league.

"I check every Sunday to see what he did," Bryant said. "I hope he keeps doing well and he's doing really well right now."

Phelps is doing all he can to make sure Bryant gets a chance and a lot will hinge on how he performs in the two all-star games, which will be scouted.

"Hopefully those will serve as a showcase," Phelps said. "It's about trying to find a way to turn scouts' heads. People get noticed at the lower levels. It's not a huge number, but it's such a big business that pro scouts realize they can't miss somebody."

The professional level will be the next stage, but Bryant is still hoping to make the most of his final game in a Saint uniform Saturday.

"I never thought it would come down to my last game at St. Lawrence," Bryant said. "I had a great experience, even though we didn't get too many wins. I met a lot of good people, got a chance to play football, which I love, and I have a chance to go to these two all-star games and do well."